Man Arrested in Milaca After Bomb Discovered in His Car

MILACA -- No one was hurt after a motorist carrying a homemade bomb in his vehicle was prevented from detonating the device today (Tuesday).

A Mille Lacs County Sheriff's deputy made a traffic stop on Highway 169 just south of Onamia at about 10:00 a.m. after noticing a man speeding.

The deputy says the driver, 41-year-old Shannon Lemon of Zimmerman, was acting nervous, angry and in an unusual manner. The officer also noticed a propane tank in the car. Lemon was given a warning and allowed to leave. The deputy immediately alerted the North Central Drug Task Force who put surveillance on the vehicle.

After Lemon was spotted driving erratically on Highway 23 in Milaca, agents stopped the vehicle.

Officers discovered an explosive device, burglary tools and propane tank. Lemon admitted it was a bomb with nails, gun powder, kerosene and electronic detonation device. He was immediately arrested and the Crow Wing County Bomb Squad was called in.

Authorities cordoned off exits to Highway 169 and Highway 23. Businesses in the area were evacuated while the bomb squad detonated the device.

The highways reopened at about 3:00 p.m.

Police say the man's motive appeared to be suicide. He was on his way to meet with a probation officer in Elk River, but it's unclear where he planned to detonate the device.

The Mille Lacs County Sheriff says an observant deputy and quick acting assistance from other agencies prevented injuries and fatalities.